ACCEL

1. Why place at ACCEL?

ACCEL school programs provide evidence-based and individualized education, behavior, vocation and therapy services to our students in a positive and supportive educational environment. Progress is monitored and students are constantly encouraged to reach their highest potential in all areas. ACCEL is committed to “Best Practices” in education. Our professional staff regularly present at national and state meetings and conferences about our innovative and research-based programming. ACCEL is the only Arizona private school program to achieve accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES) and has achieved recognition as Schools of Excellence from the National Association of Special Education Teachers.

2.  Does my child have to have a Special Education diagnosis to attend an ACCEL program?

Yes. ACCEL school programs are approved by the Arizona State Department of Education to serve students with the following educational diagnoses: Autism, Emotional and Learning Disability, Multiple Disability (including Severe Sensory Impairment), Developmental Delay, Physical Disability, Intellectual Disability, Traumatic Brain Injury, Speech and Language Impairment and Other Health Impairments  from the ages of 5-22. ACCEL programs also serve students with visual and/or hearing impairments.

3.  If my child does not have a referral from a school district, can I still begin the referral process?

Yes. Parents and students are always welcome to visit our programs. If there are questions regarding tuition costs and agreements, the school principal will be happy to provide further information regarding the referral process.  Scholarship funds are available and must be applied for through Tops for Education.  This is available for Arizona students only.

4.  Are ACCEL school programs year around?

No. ACCEL schools run on a 10 month calendar. However, an Extended School Year (ESY) program is available for 5 weeks during June and July. Students may qualify for district funded ESY services through the IEP process or may attend the ESY program through private placement.

5.  When do ACCEL school programs accept admissions?

ACCEL school programs accept students throughout the school year and during ESY.  After a prospective student is accepted into the program, parents may apply for scholarship funds through TOPS (Tuition Organization for Private Schools).

For more information, or to apply for scholarship funds, please go to TOPS for Kids!

6.  What services could my student receive in an ACCEL program?

Our classrooms provide a high staff:student ratio which allows individualization in academics from functional to above grade level education programs, vocational and independent living skills programs.  Physical, occupational, speech/language, recreational, music therapy services as well as adaptive aquatic and therapeutic horse back riding are available to students based upon individual needs.

ACCEL school programs have full-time nursing services on each campus.

Transition services are available for students from the ages of 15-22 years.

7.  What are the qualifications of ACCEL Staff?

Special education teachers are certified in the appropriate categories of disability and are “Highly Qualified” as determined by the Arizona Department of Education and defined by federal regulation. ACCEL employs Board Certified Behavior Analysts at the Doctorate level. ACCEL staff includes a Developmental Psychologist and a Consulting Clinical Psychologist. All staff receive intensive annual orientation training and regular in-service training throughout the year. Staff regularly present at national and state meetings and conferences on best practices in special education.

8.  How long do students generally attend an ACCEL School program?

Students who attend ACCEL vary in the intensity of their educational, behavioral and therapeutic needs. The continuation of placement at ACCEL is determined at least annually by the IEP team. Exit criteria are developed by the IEP team to assure the student is receiving services in the least restrictive environment in which he/she can be successful .

9.  What other services does ACCEL offer?

- The BISTÅ Center is a non-profit organization operating as a division of ACCEL.  The Center provides behavioral intervention, support, treatment and assessment of children with autism and other disabilities.  BISTA excels in helping individuals with disabilities, as well as assisting their families in obtaining the skills necessary to enrich their lives, through behavioral therapy.  BISTA is an approved network provider for several insurance companies.

- Michael’s Garden, a division of ACCEL, is an innovative day program serving adults with special needs.  Its purpose is to provide clients with functional disabilities, an opportunity to gain valuable employment skills through practical, hands-on training in classes that reinforce these skills.

- Educational and Behavioral Consultation Services assist organizations, school districts, charter schools, and classrooms to implement strategies that promote academic achievement, communication skills, social skills and adaptive behaviors in home, the classroom and in community settings.